Times of India: Jr. Hockey World Cup: Spain make quarters after thriller against NZ

By Asheem Mukerji

LUCKNOW: Spaniards braved high tension to enter the quarterfinals of the Junior Men’s Hockey World Cup on Sunday, going past New Zealand on better goal average after both the sides played a nerve-wracking 3-3 draw. Belgium pulled a rabbit out of their hat to stun higher-ranked Netherlands 3-2, while Germany thrashed Japan 6-1 for their third successive win. Malaysia downed Egypt 2-0.

Spain only required a draw to make the knockouts from Pool C after Germany. The Blacksticks went into the lead twice but on both the occasions, the Spaniards fought back to equalize. Finally when Spanish goalkeeper Albert Perez safely palmed a penalty corner drag-flick from David Brydon, after the final hooter had gone, the Spaniards jumped with joy on a foggy night at the Major Dhyan Chand stadium.

After Spain led the first-half by a solitary goal by Llorenc Piera Grau, the second-half was nothing short of a suspense thriller.

After the break, Sam Hiha got the equalizer for the New Zealanders in the 44th minute, and then Jonty Keaney put them ahead in the 59th minute.